Scientist I Jobs

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Scientist I is primarily a bench level position focusing on developing next generation, highly multiplexed, real time PCR and RT-PCR assays in an FDA-QSR and ISO9001 compliant organization.

This is a collaborative NIH grant-funded position in the Cepheid Technology & Innovation group and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA. At Cepheid, our vision is to be the leading provider of seamlessly connected diagnostic solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Closely collaborate with external academic collaborators to develop highly multiplexed assays in GeneXpert cartridge.
• Perform real time PCR and RT-PCR assays for the GeneXpert platform and optimize sample preparation with focus on blood sample processing.
• Perform routine microbiological experiments such as propagation and maintenance of bacterial and fungal microorganisms, CFU plating, and preparation of frozen stocks.
• Work with biological fluids like blood and sputum which involves screening clinical samples, performing analytical experiments with contrived samples and maintaining sample repository.
• Provide input to the project schedule and communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams as required.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Support R&D lead with assay design bioinformatics, primer and probe design, optimization of sample preparation and PCR microfluidics.
• Ability to analyze large datasets, maintain detailed experimental records, and present in technical meetings.
• Perform analytical verification and validation of assay performance like determination of assay LoD, analytical specificity, assay robustness etc.
• Apply analytical problem-solving skills to reagent and system integration issues to identify critical performance factors.
• Bachelor’s degree with 0-2 years of related work experience. Preferred experience at a molecular diagnostics company, public health laboratory or similar institution.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Real time PCR or RT-PCR and product development experience. Hands on knowledge of GeneXpert platform and developing PCR melt assays will be a plus.
• Experience working with microorganisms involved in infectious diseases. Experience with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida spp. will be a plus.
• Must possess skills/knowledge in handling clinical specimens and be able to work in a BSL-2 environment.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

The salary range for this role is $$70,000 to $90,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

When you join us, you’ll also be joining Danaher’s global organization, where 80,000 people wake up every day determined to help our customers win. As an associate, you’ll try new things, work hard, and advance your skills with guidance from dedicated leaders, all with the support of powerful Danaher Business System tools and the stability of a tested organization.